KIRKUS REVIEW

Kyu-chan, a mischievous Japanese
water creature, is the last kappa because of a changing environment.

Folklore, a 19th-century story, an
environmental plea, and a pourquoi story about kappamaki, a popular sushi roll, combine to
make a clunky, overcrowded picture book that nevertheless still engages
readers, especially those seeking a page-by-page bilingual text. Norihei, an
ordinary farm boy, meets Kyu, a kappa away from his river too long, and
saves his life by splashing him with water. They become fast friends, but Kyu’s
family decides to move away because the “area is getting dangerous.” The humans
are affecting the environment with their railroads and electricity, a trend
that will cause Kyu’s kind to die out. Before leaving, the kappa gives
the boy a magic talisman if ever Norihei needs help with water. Norihei grows
up, marries, has a child, and starts a restaurant. When his baby falls into a
stream, the grown man calls upon his old friend (looking very aged due to human
disregard for clean water) for assistance. Norihei names cucumber-filled sushi
rolls after him as a reward. “Cultural Notes” provide background information, along
with a joke about kappas evolving
into “ninja turtles.” The illustrations, mostly bordered rectangles set against
handmade paper, combine elements of Japanese wood-carved prints with
cartoonlike faces and great detail, showing both traditional agricultural
scenes and industrialization.

Heavy-handed in its environmental message but
still enjoyable. (Picture book. 6-8)

Be the first to discover new talent!
Each week, our editors select the one author and one book they believe to be most worthy of your attention and highlight them in our Pro Connect email alert.
Sign up here to receive your FREE alerts.